But chances are, if you were born in Japan, it was more like zero --
the lack of orthodontists is one reason why having a mouth full of straight
teeth isn’t such a big deal here.

In fact, in
some circles that goofy look is downright desirable, which leads us to the news
that a Ginza-based dental clinic has just started supplying fake crooked teeth
to those blessed with more traditionally “beautiful” pearly whites.

Grin and bare it

Dental Salon
Plaisir says its Tsuke-yaeba
-- or Stick-on Crooked Teeth -- will impart that desirable “imperfect” look to
men and women alike, making them more attractive to the opposite sex.

The theory
behind that slightly odd approach is that classic beauty tends to scare away
timid suitors, whereas a more down-home look is easily approachable.

Similarly,
some Japanese women have been reported to favor men wearing glasses,
as the physical flaw has a comparable aphrodisiac effect.

Anyone seeking Tsuke-yaeba will need to fork out upwards of ¥30,000 ($390) and undergo a short procedure as a Plaisir dentist applies the plastic gnashers with glue. Naturally,
they’re color-matched to your real teeth.

Here today ...

As for the
advisability of the process, Tokyo orthodontist Masaru Iwatsuki has his doubts.
“It’s a crazy idea,” he says. “Teeth have holes to let oxygen in. Covering them
is bad for the tooth’s health.”

“Not that it matters, though,” he reckons. “It’s
clearly a passing fad -- something that will be gone in six months.”